Thursday, April 28, 2016

Unfortunately, the United States has seen a huge influx of bed bugs in the past few years. Those who have been unlucky enough to experience them know just how itchy and invaded one can feel even after a single night of bites. And that's only the beginning of hardships that can come from brining home these unwanted house guests. Rather than having to get rid of bed bugs later on, however, it's best to avoid them in the first place.

First, check the online registry. Head to BedBugRegistry.com for reports on hotels, apartment complexes, and more that have been hit with an infestation. Previous guests and tenants help report, so there's a good chance that if bed bugs have been present, it will be listed.

Next, know what to look for. When you first walk into a hotel room, take note of the smell. A musty scent is an indication of a large bed bug population. Then check the mattresses. Pull up sheets and look deep at mattress folds and into nooks and crannies. Keep an eye out for discoloration (yellow, brown, or red), as well as the bugs themselves, which will look similar to apple seeds in both size and color.

Finally, keep your belongings in the car. You might love sleeping with a particular pillow or blanket, but the more items you take into a hotel room, the better chance you have at bringing bugs back home. Live without your favorite item for a single night, and you can be well on your way to keeping the bugs away, no matter where you prefer to travel.

By following these steps combined, you can work to keep yourself and your home bite and bug free.

Tuesday, April 26, 2016

Last week we talked about the importance of keeping your CPAP mask clean, and how doing so can greatly help with your sleep apnea treatments. Today we discuss the best way to clean your mask. By following proper protocol, you can work toward a germ-free mask and effective treatments every time you head to bed.

Supplies

Before you get started, ensure you have everything on hand for a proper mask cleaning. You'll need either CPAP mask wipes, or quick access to a sink, gentle liquid soap, a clean dry towel, and a washcloth or soft-bristled brush (optional).

Getting Started

Each morning after waking up, take your mask apart. This should only take a few seconds; you can find instructions on the user guide, if needed. This includes pulling apart tubes, headgear, extra pads, and soft sleeves. Wipe down each of these sections thoroughly with careful attention to remove facial oils, and any other grime that has built up. Though sections might not feel or look dirty after a single night's use, daily cleaning is the best way to ensure you're breathing clean air as you sleep. This routine will also prevent a thick germ build up from taking root.

If you're using soap and water, turn on warm water (not hot) and start wiping down each piece with a gentle soap. You can use a cloth or a soft brush to reach nooks and crannies. (If you are using wipes, once a week you should rinse tubes with soap and water to clean these hard-to-reach places.)

Then it's time to go back and check your work – look for remaining dirt or soap that wasn't thoroughly rinsed. Dry with a clean towel and let parts sit flat so they can dry. Keep out of direct sunlight, and remember it will take longer for the insides of tubes to fully air out.

Cleaning your CPAP mask is a simple process, and it's one that will allow you to get better use out of your nightly treatments. Start cleaning your mask for a better way to gain sleep apnea relief.

Thursday, April 21, 2016

If you wear a CPAP mask for your sleep apnea, chances are you've noticed your mask getting dirty. Whether you've had it for years and follow cleaning practices, or have only had your device a short time, you know that the tubes, and the mask itself, can attract gunk. But with so much air moving through and regular contact with skin, it's only a matter of time before these devices get bogged down with dirt. However, that unwelcome addition can also affect just how well your mask will work.

Grime can keep the mask from sealing properly to your face, which means air that leaks. Leaking, in turn, can affect how well you breathe, and it can cause discomfort by pushing air onto your skin. Dirty CPAP masks can also irritate or cause break outs, and it can cause the mask itself to break down from foreign matter. Additionally, when tubes aren't clear, less air can flow through and into your lungs.

However, by regularly cleaning your mask and tubes, you can keep your CPAP device running properly and effectively.

Cleaning Your CPAP Mask is Easy

With the help of cleaning wipes, you can easily keep your mask clean. These wipes are designed to clear out gunk quickly, and to remove any excess build up. Keep them by your bed for a simple wipe down every time you use your mask. Frequent cleanings will keep your device working as it should, and it will prevent bigger clean ups from becoming necessary.

It's recommended to clean off CPAP masks after every use. Without wipes, warm water and gentle soap can also be used to achieve the same cleaning effect.

Get more use out of your sleeping mask with regular cleanings – stay tuned for a step-by-step tutorial on keeping your CPAP mask clean. And click here to check out more info on CPAP cleaning wipes.

For years folks have been sleeping soundly with the Contour Pillow. With its ability to support and create spine and head comfort all night long – as though one was sleeping on a cloud – it's easy to see why this product has gained such clout. But now the pillow can be taken one step further; it offers cooling abilities. Hot sleepers can rest with ease without overheating through the night, while still resting on their favorite Contour Cloud surface.

It's a pillow that combines some of our favorite things, while still creating plenty of padding along the way. And for anyone who gets a little too hot while they sleep, it can be the perfect bedding addition. Some folks choose to use the Cool Cloud pillow only during warmer months, while others sleep hot year round.

How the Pillow Works

The Cloud Pillow consists of three layers that are specifically designed to hold their shape, and to keep the neck aligned whether you choose to sleep on your side, back, or stomach. All of which is consistent with the original Contour Cloud Pillow.

The Cool Cloud pillow also hosts a pointed ventilated system that breaths as you sleep. Each layer is made to pass air and reflect warmer temps so they aren't absorbed into your sleeping surface. Additionally, the soft air mesh layer is composed of 99% air for maximum breathability. That smart science will help keep you cooled all night long. The pillow's memory foam core is also made of a ventilated material, preventing body heat from ever reaching the center of your pillow.

Learn more about the Contour Cool Cloud Pillow by heading to our product page. Order yours today for a proven way to remain cool, no matter how high summer temps might get.

Thursday, April 14, 2016

Earlier this week we talked about fitness trackers as a whole – how they can help keep you fit, and informed about your daily exercise habits. However, that's not all there is to these devices. They can also monitor your sleep. They'll keep track of just how much you're getting, how deep you're able to sleep, and how often you're moving or stirring at night. Just by wearing the device. Then each morning, leaving you with a comprehensive rest report.

For those who sleep without issue, this might seem unnecessary; you know how well you slept as soon as you woke up. But it's not that easy for everyone. Generally, those who have sleeping disorders don't even know that they have them. They might know they're tired or that they have a hard time staying rested, but they won't know specifics.

Armed with such information, it can be much easier to diagnose a sleeping disorder, and to find out why you are unable to stay rested in the first place. Keep track of your sleeping patterns to create an extensive overview. You can also send this info to your doctor or sleep specialist to arm them enough data for an accurate diagnosis.

Should You Track Your Sleep?

If you suffer from a sleeping condition, or are worried about the amount of rest you get at night, sleep tracking can be great place to start. It will help you determine your daily patterns and what might be wrong in the first place.

They're also easy and affordable ways to add to your health, to check if your sleeping treatments are working, and to follow up when they aren't. For those worried about overall sleep patterns and schedules sleep tracking can be a great way to go.

Talk to your healthcare professional or check back in for more information.

Tuesday, April 12, 2016

In the past few years alone, fitness trackers have essentially taken over the getting-in-shape population. From those looking to step up their exercising routine, to those who just want to keep track of how many steps they take in a day, wearing tech that counts for you has completely revolutionized the way we exercise. Following everything from movement, to sleeping patterns, these devices can help you upgrade your entire life toward a better bill of health.

What are Fitness Trackers?

You've likely seen them, even if you didn't know what it was at the time. They come in the form of bracelets and small clip-on devices that register body movement – generally steps, stairs, and other more strenuous forms of exercise. Most are rubber so as to be more compatible with movement, though many versions offer more stylish upgrades, such as leather or metal interchangeable bands.

These trackers log your health goals, and remind you to move throughout the day if you've been sitting for too long. Or they let you know once you've reached a daily goal and update you of progress.

What are the Perks?

With a fitness tracker, it can be much easier to stay on task. You have an automatic reminder letting you know how often you've been moving throughout the day (or if you've sat for too long). It also logs steps or exercise that takes place even when you didn't set out to burn calories, which can leave you with more progress at the end of the day. (Vs. just logging while at the gym.) Wearing this type of tech can also be a great stance in overall health, helping you to make movement a part of your daily routine.

Thursday, April 7, 2016

Leg pillows are often the unsung heroes of the support world. Despite all they can do and how much comfort they have to provide, they still don't get the respect they deserve. Today we set aside that oversight and look toward leg pillows and what all they can provide.

Perks like:

1. Reducing Back Pain

This is perhaps the best leg pillow pro that there is. Because the pillow isn't used directly for the back, we tend to forget how it can still reduce back pain. However, by propping up the lower legs and removing weight, then readjusting how the body rests at night, aches can be greatly reduced for the following day … and every day this method is used.

2. Promoting Muscle Health

When muscles aren't stressed from aches and pains, you're able to better utilize them to the fullest of their capabilities. That means it's easier to work out (or even just to function throughout the day). Additionally, blood and oxygen flow can be increased, allowing for further health.

3. Convenience/Cost Effective

Adding a leg pillow is a simple way to step-up your sleeping space. If you're traveling and need a little more comfort, leg pillows are an easy way to go. If your back is sore, use of these models to help your cause without expensive treatments. And when used on an ongoing basis, you're likely to gain even more relief out of your comfort method.

4. Pressure Relief

Though it's not pain directly, pressure is another area of stress within the back and other body muscles. A leg pillow can help reduce this excess stress, even if you aren't aware it's developed.

To reduce stress, pain, and increase body health, a leg pillow is a great addition to your sleeping routine. Consider adding one today and browse at ContourLiving.com.

Thursday, March 31, 2016

Whether you love shopping or could use a good excuse to stay away from the store, Contour Living has you covered with its latest promotion. Shop our best-selling products and you could be eligible to earn yourself a free gift! We're offering up incredible incentives, and saying thank you to our new and repeat shoppers with this ongoing offer.

All you have to do is shop in order to save!

Ongoing Deals

Free Shipping – Spend $50 and your order is delivered straight to your door, with no extra fees. Better yet, no coupon code required. This great offer is ideal whether shopping for yourself or checking off items for those on your gift list.

CPAP Max Pillow – Gain access to better sleep when you use your CPAP machine with our crowd favorite, the CPAP Max Pillow. Order now to receive $5 off your custom pillowcase.

Cool Leg Pillow – Purchase a Cool Leg Pillow for all-night back and leg support that won't make you sweat. Better yet, it now comes with a free mesh replacement cover for an even more breathable pillow surface.

Mattress Genie Bed Wedge – Sit up in bed with the press of a button for a comfortable way to lounge. The order now even comes with two free Dual-Comfort Temperature Control Pillow Cases so you and a partner can rest without overheating.

BackMax Body Wedge Set – With this product you're gaining access to full body relief (in several different positions), as well as a free Fleece-Covered Half Roll Pillow for even more support while on the go.

All these deals and more are waiting for you to take advantage at ContourLiving.com. Click the link to check out specs, customer reviews, and more. Or chat with one our trained pros for quick access to all of your comfort-related products.

Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Acid reflux is a term that's often heard, but unless you're a lucky individual who has yet to experience it, you might not know exactly what it is. Or, perhaps you've been suffering from the sickness but didn't know what it was called. Acid reflux is a condition where digesting stomach contents (including acid) makes its way back up into the esophagus. This can take place to a varied level of degrees – from instances that are quite mild, to those that are frequent and extremely painful.

Essentially, the throat fails to hold stomach contents in place, or acid forces its way through barrier devices – either way the condition can be uncomfortable, even painful, and can greatly affect one's eating patterns. Acid reflux can also be worsened when eating certain types of foods, or after eating too close to bedtime, as lying down (or even reclining) reduces the help of gravity to keep food within the stomach. Consuming alcohol, rich, or spicy foods can also exasperate the condition. However, some are more prone to its effects due to genetics, which can also cause some of the most severe symptoms.

Acid Reflux and Sleep

In terms of conditions, acid reflux is often most felt at night. This simply stems from body position – lying down allows acid to rise. When food hasn't had enough time to fully digest, those symptoms can hurt even worse; when there's more food, there's more acid that helps break it down (and acid that's more active), which leaves a higher chance for it to leak upward.

Luckily, there are several simple solutions to helping combat acid reflux. Start by eating earlier so your food has more time to break down. Reducing heavy or spicy foods can also help to settle the stomach. Next, sleep on an incline. A wedge pillow can encourage acid to move downward, and increase comfort while you sleep.

When working toward a healthy lifestyle, there's no arguing that it's a full-body approach. Almost everything you consume or do can have an affect on how you feel every single day. That includes a regular sleep cycle, staying hydrated, working out, and as well as a balanced diet.

To help that process along, check out these foods that can actually reduce inflammation. Incorporate them into a meal and see how much of an effect they can contribute to your full-body approach.

Bright and colorful veggies – Bell peppers, carrots, beets, and more are all great ways to add nutrition. Registered Dietician, Leslie Graves of Grace, Goals & Guts says this type of produce adds omega-3 fatty acids, which can reduce joint pain, lower inflammation, and lessen the risk Alzheimer's and dementia.

Cinnamon – Not only is this stuff delicious, it's a healthy spice to incorporate into your daily routine. Cinnamon has been shown to be beneficial for those with type 2 diabetes, Graves says, and can help the body function better as a whole.

Turmeric – This spice is undoubtedly growing in popularity in recent times. Health-conscious eaters are noticing its perks, like less inflammation, and incorporating turmeric into as many recipes as possible.

Ginger – Much like turmeric, ginger is making a comeback in its quest to reduce body swelling. It's also pretty tasty, which only helps its cause.

Finally, Graves says to maintain an active lifestyle for the biggest results in doing away with inflammation.

"Activity is huge. Not only because it typically helps you lose weight, but it can also help the body burn sugar." And, the more muscle you build up, the more calories that will be burned, even when inactive, she says.

Try incorporating these items into your diet for a delicious way to start feeling better.

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Since the introduction of our first Contour Pillow in 1991, Contour Living is an innovative leader in the ergonomics industry. We are a worldwide distributor of unique products that meet everyday comfort and support needs for people of all ages. Our products help to properly align the body for better rest at night and comfort during the day for improved total well being.